What is breadcrumbing? Definition and meaning of the dating term that has replaced ghosting

This brutal new dating trend is yet another obstacle that singletons have to contend with

By Sophie Roberts

13th July 2017, 5:00 pm

Updated: 9th September 2017, 3:11 pm

EVER wondered why flirty text messages have never developed into a date? Chances are you could be a victim of breadcrumbing.

If you thought ghosting and benching were rough, a brutal new dating trend is yet another obstacle that singletons have to contend with this year, but what is it?

This irritating dating phenomenon prevents singletons from knowing where they stand

What does breadcrumbing mean?

Receiving sporadic but suggestive text messages could be a sign that you’re getting breadcrumbed.

The texter may be attempting to boost their ego by keeping you interested with the minimum amount of effort possible.

In serious cases, the person sending the suggestive texts may pop up every few months, only to flit back out of your life after.

For others, randomly liking Facebook or Instagram posts and photos may also trick social media users into believing there’s a chance of a relationship.

Sadly, with breadcrumbing, the cheeky messages don’t actually result in a romantic date.

The Urban Dictionary describes the dating phenomenon as: "The act of sending out flirtatious, but non-committal text messages (i.e breadcrumbs') to members of the opposite sex in order to lure a sexual partner without expending much effort."

Alamy

The flirty messages don't actually lead anywhere... even if singletons believe there's a chance of a date

Where does the term breadcrumbing come from?

Just like the name suggests, the dating sin involves leaving a trail of “breadcrumbs” for your unsuspecting victim to follow.

Known also as “Hansel and Gretelling”, it offers singletons the glimmer of hope they need to keep the conversation alive.

The new term first swept the web in early 2017, sparking many daters to come forward and share their experiences.

Alamy

The confusing trend makes daters feel let down rather than pleased with the interactions

How does breadcrumbing affect people?

These sporadic messages can be confusing for many singletons.

Sherry Turkle, a professor at M.I.T. told The New York Times: "These are connections, not conversations.

"They can have the paradoxical effect of making the person who receives them feel let down rather than gratified, but then, confused: Is one asking for too much?

"Should one feel satisfied with a smiley face or a series of exclamation marks or a string of emojis? What constitutes being recognised?"

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